Bold three-point independence strategy unveiled
The Scottish Green Party has adopted a new independence strategy proposed by co-leaders Ross Greer and Gillian Mackay.
The strategy sets out a clear, three-part plan to grow support for independence and build a clear majority of public opinion that forces Westminster to recognise Scotland’s right to self-determination.
1. Make bold and effective use of the powers Holyrood already has
The Scottish Greens argue that the strongest case for independence is made by fully using the powers Holyrood already has. The Scottish Government could do far more right now to reduce people’s bills, redistribute wealth & power and protect the environment, all of which would prove the benefits of Scottish self-government. One example given is fixing the funding problems faced by schools and social care services by scrapping and replacing the broken Council Tax system.
2. Act boldly where powers are unclear
Where a policy sits in the ‘grey area’ between Holyrood and Westminster’s responsibilities, the strategy calls for decisive action. If Scotland wants more powers, it must be prepared to act first and challenge Westminster to intervene.
The paper points to success that Green MSPs have already had in boosting workers’ wages by making payment of at least the real Living Wage a condition of receiving a Scottish Government grant or contract. This was implemented successfully, despite previous claims that it was outwith Holyrood’s powers and would be vetoed by Westminster.
Further action can and should be taken in areas such as this, with Holyrood improving people’s working conditions and Westminster being forced to choose between allowing this or stepping in to make an unpopular decision by vetoing it.
3. Demand more powers where devolution falls short
In areas where Holyrood clearly lacks the powers needed, the Scottish Greens argue for making a strong, practical case for further devolution. This would include making formal requests for Westminster to devolve powers which MSPs could then use to help people save money, protect the planet and tax the super-rich.
Devolution of these powers would allow the Scottish Government to improve people’s lives, confirming the value of such decisions being made in Scotland. In contrast, any refusal by Westminster to transfer powers would prove the need for independence and an end to decisions being made for Scotland from London.
Overall, the strategy focuses on building public support for Scottish independence by connecting it to the issues people are facing right now, particularly the cost-of-living crisis.
Ross Greer said:
“The best way to build support for independence is by making full use of the powers Scotland’s Parliament already has to improve people’s lives, help them save money and protect our planet. That will inevitably mean picking a fight with Westminster when they stand in the way of our efforts.
“The independence movement has focused too much on process and not enough on the positive case for putting Scotland’s future in Scotland’s hands. We need to show that independence would make a real difference to people’s lives, contrasting that with the chaos and mismanagement of Westminster.
“It is an anti-democratic outrage that Scotland’s Parliament is unable to give the people of this country a choice on our future via a referendum. That power should rest with us, but it does not. We need to focus on the levers within our control which will bring independence closer. That means growing public support for our cause to a level that Westminster simply cannot ignore. We can do that by making maximum use of our limited devolved powers to improve people’s lives here and now.
“When the Scottish Greens were told we couldn’t deliver a real Living Wage for Scottish Government contractors, we proved those naysayers wrong. We stood up to Westminster and raised the wages of workers across our country.
“There are plenty of other areas where we can do the same to help people through the cost of living crisis, protect our environment or tax the super-rich.
“With a chaotic Labour government doing its best to mimic Farage and Reform, and with the real prospect of a far right UK government that Scotland didn’t vote for, independence has never been more vital.”